subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land

Examples of subplot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are too many characters and too many subplots for a one-act play. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 But the fourth Captain America movie is also filled with subplots. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 There’s an overall sense of alienation imparted by the further fragmentation of the storylines, along with the introduction of subplots, particularly in Wei’s portion (he’s got a male friend in need of a large sum of money and is seeing a woman who has a young daughter). Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 In most stories, these clashes would form discrete subplots. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for subplot 

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subplot was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near subplot

Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

More from Merriam-Webster on subplot

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